Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff made a startling revelation Wednesday night that highlights some growing frustration within the NBA about the impact of legalized sports betting.
Bickerstaff told reporters last season that gamblers were able to get his phone number and “sent me all these crazy messages about where I lived and my kids and all that stuff. ” he said.
“It’s a dangerous game. It’s a fine line we’re definitely walking,” he said.
Mr Bickerstaff said security was alerted and they were able to locate the person, but no charges were filed.
The Cavs coach, who is in his fourth season at the helm in Cleveland, shared an outrageous story after being asked about comments made by Pacers forward Tyrese Haliburton on Tuesday about the impact of sports betting.
halliburton He said he feels like a “prop” to sports gamblers..
This came after Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert explained: He felt that gambling was “negatively affecting our game”.
Bickerstaff believes it has posed additional challenges to the game and his job.
“That brings added pressure,” he says. “It’s a distraction to the game and can make it difficult for the players, coaches, referees and everyone involved in it. And it’s important to know how close we can bring it to the game and the safety of those involved in it. I think we need to be really careful about that.”
Despite some concerns, it doesn’t seem like sports betting is going away anytime soon.
The NBA has partnered with FanDuel, and many teams and some arenas work with various sports betting companies.
League has also been introduced NBA League Pass live game betting odds.
“There’s no question that a line has been crossed,” Bickerstaff said. “For me to be standing there and we were leading by 10 points and the spread was 11 and people were yelling at me to leave players to cover the spread, it was ridiculous. is.
“But again, I understand the business side and the nature of business. But I believe that’s a step too far.”
